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$36.3K

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$149.1K

How much do associate dean jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate dean in Arizona is $88,314.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $100,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Associate Deans Do?

An associate dean works with the faculty members of an academic institution. They are often assigned to a specific school or college. For example, the associate dean of arts is required to direct operations, such as teaching schedules and students’ admissions, in the college of arts. People in this job report to the dean and must promote the values of the academic institution. Qualifications for this career requires an advanced degree and ample experience in academia. Associate deans must have good collaboration and decision-making skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Dean, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Dean, you need advanced academic credentials (often a doctorate), leadership experience in higher education, and a deep understanding of academic policy and program development. Familiarity with learning management systems, institutional reporting tools, and accreditation standards is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills help foster collaboration and drive institutional goals. These qualifications ensure effective academic leadership, program innovation, and alignment with organizational objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by an Associate Dean, and how are they typically addressed?

Associate Deans often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as overseeing academic programs, managing faculty concerns, and supporting student success initiatives. A frequent challenge is balancing administrative duties with the need to foster collaboration among diverse departments. To address these challenges, Associate Deans prioritize effective communication, delegate tasks appropriately, and stay proactive in conflict resolution. Building strong relationships with faculty, staff, and students also helps them create an inclusive and productive academic environment.

What are Associate Deans?

Associate Deans are senior academic administrators in colleges or universities who support the Dean in managing academic affairs, programs, and faculty within a specific division or department. Their responsibilities often include curriculum development, faculty recruitment, student affairs, and policy implementation. Associate Deans may also represent the Dean at meetings, oversee budgets, and help resolve academic issues. They play a key role in maintaining academic standards and supporting the institution's mission. The exact duties can vary depending on the institution and the academic area they oversee.

What is the difference between Associate Dean vs Department Chair?

AspectAssociate DeanDepartment Chair
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., Master's or Doctorate) and experience in academia or administrationUsually holds a faculty position with a terminal degree in their field, often with administrative experience
Work EnvironmentWorks across multiple departments or schools within an institution, focusing on strategic planning and policyManages a specific academic department, overseeing faculty, curriculum, and departmental operations
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly found in universities and colleges, especially in administrative or leadership rolesFound in higher education institutions, primarily in academic departments

While both roles are leadership positions within educational institutions, the Associate Dean oversees broader administrative functions across multiple departments or schools, whereas the Department Chair focuses on managing a specific academic department. The Associate Dean often handles strategic planning and institutional policies, while the Department Chair concentrates on faculty management and curriculum within their department.

More about Associate Dean jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Dean jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Dean jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Associate Dean jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Associate Dean job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Dean jobs in AZ? For Associate Dean jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate Dean jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Dean job openings in Arizona as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,314 per year, or $42.5 per hour.
Associate Dean Academic Affairs - AZ - Arizona College of Optometry

Associate Dean Academic Affairs - AZ - Arizona College of Optometry

Midwestern University

Glendale, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Midwestern University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Arizona College of Optometry
The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs provides strategic leadership for all academic programs within the Arizona College of Optometry. Reporting to the Dean, this role oversees curriculum development and assessment, accreditation activities, academic policies, faculty academic performance, and student progression. The Associate Dean is a key member of the College's senior leadership team, serves as a trusted advisor to the Dean, and ensures continuous alignment between academic operations, accreditation standards, and institutional goals.
The Associate Dean assumes administrative responsibility for the College in the Dean's absence.
Primary Responsibilities
Academic Leadership and Accreditation
  • Lead curriculum development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as the primary lead and liaison for Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) self-studies, progress reports, and related communications.
  • Ensure curricula, syllabi, and academic policies comply with University, College, and accreditation requirements.
  • Guide the work of the Curriculum Committee and oversee regular curriculum review.
  • Monitor and communicate academic performance metrics, including national board outcomes, progression, and graduation rates.

Strategic Communication and Leadership
  • Maintain consistent, transparent, and ongoing communication with the Dean and senior leadership regarding academic performance, accreditation status, emerging risks, personnel matters, and strategic initiatives through regular updates and briefings to ensure shared awareness and timely decision-making.
  • Anticipate academic and operational challenges; proactively identify risks and recommend data-informed solutions.
  • Provide regular updates and briefings to ensure shared awareness and timely decision-making.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the Dean on all academic matters.

Faculty and Staff Oversight
  • Oversee academic-related performance evaluations of faculty and staff, ensuring timely completion and alignment with College goals and accreditation expectations.
  • Support faculty development, mentorship, and teaching effectiveness initiatives.
  • Collaborate with College leadership to ensure appropriate and equitable academic and clinical teaching assignments.

Student Progression and Support
  • Oversee academic policies related to student promotion, progression, and graduation.
  • Provide academic counseling with other college support team members to students experiencing difficulty and coordinate referrals as needed to University support services.
  • Monitor student academic and clinical performance and implement improvement strategies as needed.

Administration and Operations
  • Ensure accurate and timely academic scheduling, grade submission, and maintenance of academic records.
  • Serve as the Dean's Office liaison with University offices including the Registrar and Student Financial Services.
  • Support admissions and student recruitment activities.
  • Ensure annual updates of the College Catalog and related academic documents.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean.

Culture and Continuous Improvement
  • Foster and sustain a positive, inclusive, and high-performance academic culture across the College.
  • Promote transparency, collaboration, professionalism, and accountability.
  • Partner with the Dean and leadership team to advance the College's strategic academic priorities.

Faculty Role, Teaching, and Professional Engagement
  • Participate in teaching activities consistent with faculty appointment, including didactic instruction, laboratory supervision, clinical instruction, or course coordination, as assigned. Maintain an active faculty role to support academic quality, curricular relevance, and student learning.
  • Engage in scholarly, professional, and service activities consistent with faculty appointment and College expectations.

Qualifications
Required
  • Doctoral degree in Optometry (OD) or closely related doctoral discipline.
  • Eligibility for optometric licensure in Arizona.
  • Minimum of 5 years of academic experience in optometric or health professions education.
  • Demonstrated experience in curriculum oversight, assessment, and accreditation-related activities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred
  • Prior academic leadership experience.
  • Experience with accreditation self-study or reporting.
  • Experience with faculty performance evaluation and academic outcomes analysis.

Core Competencies
  • Academic Leadership: Ability to lead curriculum, assessment, and academic quality initiatives aligned with accreditation standards.
  • Communication: Consistent, proactive communication with the Dean, senior leadership, and academic stakeholders.
  • Faculty and Student Focus: Supports faculty development, accountability, and student academic success.
  • Data-Informed Judgment: Uses academic and assessment data to identify risks and recommend improvements.
  • Culture and Collaboration: Fosters a positive, inclusive, and high-performance academic environment.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Our faculty and staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.
Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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